Cases are still outstanding three years after the deadly explosion and fire at the Imperial Sugar refinery near Savannah. Fourteen people died and scores were wounded in one of the worst industrial disasters in state history. Federal officials later found, the company "willfully" violated safety rules by letting combustible dust build up.

The Republicans still have memories of electing one of their own in Georgia's 12th District. They know the Democrat who represents the district had a close call in the last mid-term election. But can even this historic election atmosphere topple a three-term incumbent?

A spokeswoman says, Barrow took the money before the accusations surfaced. The Republican running to unseat Barrow this year, Ray McKinney, calls the campaign contribution "dirty money" and says Barrow should donate it to charity.